Innovative approaches for personalised cardiovascular prevention

Contact person: Stefania Boccia

Short Title: INNOPREV

Call: National Project of Resilience Fund - PNRR: M6/C2_CALL 2022

Project Code: PNRR-MAD-2022-12375795

Start date: 01/05/2023

End date: 01/11/2025

Coordinator: IRCCS National Cancer Institute Foundation

Funding body: Ministry of Health

Link: https://www.innoprev.it

Abstract: INNOPREV – INNOvative Approaches for Personalized Cardiovascular Prevention represents an innovative response to the challenges posed by cardiovascular disease (CVD), with the aim of transforming the approach to health prevention. This multidisciplinary project combines technology, genomics and public health to implement tailored preventive strategies. The distinctive aspect of INNOPREV lies in the integration of data from different sources:
Genetics: The use of polygenic risk scores (PRS) allows for the estimation of individual cardiovascular risk and personalization of interventions.
Technology: Wearables and mobile apps collect data in real-time, offering immediate feedback to users and researchers.
Lifestyle: The intervention is not limited to measuring risk, but also includes a strong focus on behavioral change, promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and weight management.

Research
The central element of the project is the clinical study, which involves 1,020 participants between 40 and 69 years old, residing in the metropolitan areas of Catania, Palermo and Rome. Participants, identified as at high risk of developing CVD in the next 10 years, are divided into four intervention groups:

Traditional risk assessment.
Traditional assessment with the use of apps and wearables.
Traditional valuation with PRS.
Combined assessment with apps, wearables and PRS.
Methodology
Each participant fills out an in-depth questionnaire to gather information on:

Socioeconomic status.
Lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity).
Indicators of mental health and general well-being.
The data collected will be used to calculate a personalized risk profile. The proposed interventions will vary depending on the group and will be monitored for 24 months.

Expected results
The study aims to assess:

The effect of interventions on lifestyle change.
The modification of the cardiovascular risk profile.
The impact of digital technologies on the health system, using a Health Technology Assessment approach.